Influence of corona virus disease (COVID-19) on spiritual well-being and insecurity among Nigerian citizens

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of the coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) on spiritual-wellbeing and security among Nigerian citizens. A descriptive research design was adopted. Two hundred and forty-five (245) respondents were conveniently sampled. A self-developed (likert design) and validated questionnaire with reliability coefficient of .52 and .68 was used as data collection instrument. Data was collected with the help of six research assistants. Frequency count and simple percentages were used for the analysis of demographic characteristics while descriptive statistical analysis served as the statistical tool for data analysis. The results revealed that COVID-19 had great influence on spiritual well-being (Weighted mean = 2.92) and insecurity (Weighted mean = 3.09) among Nigerian citizens. The study concluded that COVID-19 significantly influenced the spiritual life of the Nigerian populace. It was also concluded that there was a breakdown of law and order as a result of the prolonged lockdown. COVID-19 caused tremendous human suffering and challenged the most basic foundation of societal well-being. It has affected human personal security. Joint efforts of religious bodies, civil society, the police or military, civil defense organisations and vigilante groups would serve a common purpose of bringing an end to insecurity crisis in Nigeria. Social work’s role is to ensure that all people to have access to competent social protection systems. Social work provides social protection as a tradition of alleviating the impacts of insecurity, poor health, economics and social vulnerability and can help preserve basic standard of living for all. There is need for social workers to be involved with religious groups and institutions to ensure the social, emotional and spiritual wll being of people.